ronald's run race recap

Sunday morning Nic and I woke up early to head up to Iowa City for the 26th annual Ronald's Run. I stumbled across this race information at a local gym, checked my half marathon training plan and saw that this race would fit in nicely! I find it motivates me to run some of my longer runs during marathon/half marathon training in local races - provides a little bit of motivation!

The morning was not without a few hiccups of course. As we were walking out the door, my beloved Garmin beeped warning me of a low battery. Are you friggin' kidding me? I made a point to charge it all day Saturday, so not sure what was up with that. I survived though, and was able to charge it in the car on the way up.

A bigger hiccup - as we were pulling out of the driveway, the bikes on the back of the car (Nic was going to bike the course) hit the pavement... Nic jumped out to check and his front wheel would not spin. Crap. Not much we could do as we were cutting it close to getting up there on time.

We could not have asked for better weather - it was the most beautiful day for a run! Once we got to Iowa City, Nic was able to fix his bike and we planned a trip to the bike shop after the race to make sure everything was good to go.

The race went pretty well - except for the heavy meal that was sitting in my stomach from Saturday night. We picked up a half rack of ribs and some good crusty bread at the store on Saturday and I for sure ate way too much of the bread and butter for dinner...won't be doing that again! I actually contemplated walking before mile 3! I was feeling a little heavy.

Nic was provided great support and motivation during the race. Although whenever he pulled over to snap a few photos, he always seemed to do so when I was running up a hill. I may look happy, but it was all a front.

Check out the bad form...Mr. Timm and Gorham would not be happy.

The finish line could not have come any sooner as I was really dragging by the end of the race.

The course was actually .12 miles short (according to my Garmin), so my actual pace was around 8:17...still well under my goal pace of 8:33 - but like I've said many times before...not sure how I will manage that during the Fargo Half!!

The rest of the day was full of shopping for shorts (size 6 from the Gap!! WHOOP), pet and home supplies, eating at the new Quentin's Bar and Deli (YUM!), a quick nap at home and then dinner in Burlinton with a few friends (who will be leaving Iowa for Washington DC (BOO). Fun Fun!